ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
CURTAIN RAISER: KEEL LAYING CEREMONY OF STITCHED SHIP REVIVING THE ANCIENT INDIAN MARITIME TRADITION
A GoI Initiative to revive the Ancient Art of Stitch Ship Method of Shipbuilding
Keel Laying on 12 Sep 23 in Goa
Chief Guest – MoS for Culture
Indian Navy will sail the Stitch Ship along the traditional maritime trade routes
India's rich maritime tradition, dating back several millennia, is set to come alive once again with the revival of an ancient maritime marvel – the stitched ship. In a momentous initiative by the Govt. of India, the Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture, and M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa, are collaborating to reconstruct an ancient stitched ship, reminiscent of the ships that once sailed the oceans on India's ancient maritime trade routes.
This remarkable endeavour, deeply embedded in India’s cultural and civilizational heritage is a symbol of our nation’s rich shipbuilding legacy. Extensive research and consultation with a wide spectrum of subject matter experts have been instrumental in conceptualizing this ambitious project.
This initiative represents a collaborative effort spanning multiple ministries. The Indian Navy is overseeing the ship's design and construction and would be sailing the ship along ancient maritime trade routes. The Ministry of Culture has fully funded this project, while the Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of External Affairs will be supporting the project to ensure seamless execution of the international voyage.
The Project was approved by the National Implementation Committee, Chaired by the Hon’ble Home Minister of India as a Commemoration Project on 14 Dec 2022. The Directorate of Naval Architecture of the Indian Navy engaged in several rounds of discussions with the Ministry of Culture, culminating in the signing of a tripartite agreement with M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa, on 18 July 2023, for the construction of the Ancient Stitched Ship.
The stitching work in the construction of this ship will be undertaken by a team of traditional shipwrights, led by Shri. Babu Sankaran, who is an expert in stitched ship construction. Using this age-old technique, the wooden planks will be shaped using the traditional steaming method to conform to the shape of the hull. Each plank will then be stitched to another using cords/ ropes, sealed with a combination of coconut fiber, resin, and fish oil – akin to the ancient Indian shipbuilding practice.
Once the ship is ready, a unique voyage will be undertaken by the Indian Navy along the traditional maritime trade routes using ancient navigation techniques. The journey of rediscovery and revival begins with the keel laying ceremony scheduled on 12 Sep 23, at M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa, where the Smt Meenakshi Lekhi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, GoI will preside as the Chief Guest. Adm R Hari Kumar, CNS and Mr Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisor Council to the PM will also be present on the occasion.
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VM/JSN 158/23
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Prime Minister's Office
Telephone Conversation between Prime Minister and Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic
On the occasion of the New Year, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.
The Prime Minister conveyed to President Macron his New Year greetings and good wishes on behalf of the people of India and on his own behalf.
The Prime Minister recalled his earlier meetings with President Macron, including at Biarritz and Chantilly. He reiterated his commitment to further strengthening the Strategic Partnership between India and France. He expressed his satisfaction at the steady progress in the multi-faceted relationship between the two countries.
The two leaders exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest in bilateral relations as well as regional and global situations.
They agreed on keeping in touch and further enhancing all-round strategic cooperation between the two countries, including in the areas of defence, civil nuclear energy and maritime security.
Ministry of Defence
Private Participation in Defence Industry
Defence Industry sector, which was hitherto reserved for the public sector, was opened up to 100% for Indian private sector participation in May, 2001. So far, Government has issued a total of 568 Defence Industrial Licenses to 351 companies. Out of these, a total of 113 companies covering 170 Defence Industrial Licenses have conveyed commencement of production.
As per the condition stipulated in the License, the Defence Industry is required to provide the standards and testing procedures for equipment to be produced to the Government nominated Quality Assurance Agency. The nominated Quality Assurance Agency inspects the finished products and conducts surveillance and audit of the quality assurance procedures.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Tiruchi Siva in Rajya Sabha on March 21, 2022.
ABB/Savvy
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Status of Implementation of Third Bodo Accord, 2020
A Memorandum of Settlement  was signed between Government of India, Government of Assam and representatives of Bodo Groups on 27.01.2020 to end decades old Bodo crisis. Most of the clauses of MoS have been implemented which include surrender of 1615 cadres along with arms and ammunition, setting up of Bodo Kachari Welfare Council; establishment of a separate Directorate of Bodo Medium Schools; creation of a separate Welfare of Bodoland Department to deal with matters relating to councils under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution including Bodo Territorial Council , etc. Clause 10.1 of the MoS provides for a Special Development Package of Rs. 1500 crore  for undertaking specific projects. Illustrative lists have been appended at Annexure-II, III & IV of MoS which include Central University, North- East Regional Institute of Medical Science, National Institute of Technology etc. A Joint Monitoring Committee constituted with representatives of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Assam, BTC and Bodo organizations, monitors the implementation of MoS on regular basis.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Special Service and Features
Vigilance Awareness in Chennai Port Trust
Chennai Port Trust in association with Kamarajar Port Trust has Inaugurated Vigilance Awareness Week 2021 today with traditional gaiety. The theme of Vigilance Awareness this year is “Independent India @ 75 : Self Reliance With Integrity”. Vigilance Awareness Week has commenced with the administration of Integrity Pledge to the Officers / Staff of Chennai Port Trust and Kamarajar Port Ltd.
Shri. S. Murali Krishnan, IDAS, Chief Vigilance Officer, Chennai Port Trust, has welcomed the Chief Guest, Smt. Anjana Sinha, IPS, IG, CISF South Sector, and other dignitaries. The CVO, ChPT has highlighted the message of the Prime Minister at Kevadia, Gujarat that we must ensure there is no safe heavens for those betray India. CVO, ChPT has also stated that the Integrity Pledge taken during Vigilance Awareness Week is not a routine one and it should be adhered in letter & spirit.
Shri. J. Pradeep Kumar, IRSME, Chief Vigilance Officer of Kamarajar Port Ltd, has also stressed the importance of individual integrity and that it would be prudent to do right things than doing things rightly.
Shri. Sunil Paliwal, IAS, Chairman, Chennai Port Trust and CMD, Kamarajar Port Ltd, in his presidential address has highlighted that everyone should inculcate Honesty & Integrity within. Merely not accepting bribe is not alone the sign of honesty and everyone is expected to be dedicated to their duties & responsibilities. Chairman has also pointed the work rendered by the Iron Man of India, Shri. Sardar Vallabhai Patel, in unifying the princely states, who had highest standards of Integrity.
The Chief Guest of the Inauguration function, Smt. Anjana Sinha, IPS, IG, CISF South Sector, had delivered special address. She has stressed the importance of Ethics in public life & personal Integrity in all sphere of life and that we must carry out our work fearlessly without succumbing to any external pressure, which was well received.
On this occasion, a News letter of Vigilance Department, Chennai Port Trust, i.e. Voice of Vigilance was released by the Chief Guest, Smt. Anjana Sinha, IPS and the same was received by the Chairman, ChPT & other dignitaries on Dias.
The observation of Vigilance Awareness Week creates greater awareness among public and encourages all the stake holders to collectively participate in prevention and fight against the corruption.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
India's Stand at COP-26
The Government of India has articulated and put across the concerns of developing countries at the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties  to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change  held in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Further, India presented the following five nectar elements  of India’s climate action:
- Reach 500GWNon-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
- 50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030.
- Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now to 2030.
- Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45 per cent by 2030, over 2005 levels.
- Achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070.
In this context, it was highlighted that the transfer of climate finance and low-cost climate technologies have become more important for implementation of climate actions by the developing countries. The ambitions on climate finance by developed countries cannot remain the same as they were at the time of Paris Agreement in 2015. It was emphasized that just as the UNFCCC tracks the progress made in climate mitigation, it should also track climate finance. Further, it was conveyed to the developed countries that India understands the suffering of all other developing countries, shares them, and hence raises the voice of developing countries.
The mantra of LIFE- Lifestyle for Environment to combat climate change was also shared in COP 26. It was statedthat Lifestyle for Environment has to be taken forward as a campaign to make it a mass movement of Environment Conscious Lifestyles. The message conveyed by India was that the world needs mindful and deliberate utilization, instead of mindless and destructive consumption.
As a part of its overall approach, India emphasized the foundational principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. It also highlighted that all countries should have equitable access to the global carbon budget, a finite global resource, for keeping temperature increase within the limits set by the Paris Agreement and all countries must stay within their fair share of this global carbon budget, while using it responsibly. India also called on the developed countries for climate justice, and for undertaking rapid reductions in emissions during the current decade so as to reach net zero much earlier than their announced dates, as they have used more than their fair share of the depleting global carbon budget.
India’s interests have been articulated in decisions adopted at COP 26. The announcement to intensify India’s climate action has the potential to bring investment and new technologies to support country’s transition to a clean and climate resilient economy. Many nations in the World have applauded the five nectar elements  of India’s climate action.
This information was given by Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
SMALL VILLAGES IN MEGHALAYA
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE CONNECTIVITY IN NER INCLUDING PROVIDING ROAD ACCESSIBILITY TO REMOTE AREAS
DEPARTMENT OF BORDER MANAGEMENT, MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS HAS ALSO UNDERTAKEN 992 PROJECTS IN NER, INCLUDING MEGHALAYA, UNDER “ROAD & BRIDGES” SECTOR, FROM 2014-15 ONWARDS.
The Ministry of Rural Development launched Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana  as a one-time special intervention to provide rural connectivity, by way of a single all-weather road, to the eligible unconnected habitations of designated population size  in the core network for uplifting the socio-economic condition of the rural population including those in Meghalaya and Maharashtra. Relaxation has been provided to the Tribal  areas and Selected Tribal and Backward Districts  and unconnected habitations in these areas with a population of 250 persons and above in the Core Network as per Census 2001 are eligible for connectivity under the scheme.
PMGSY is not an individual/community centric scheme. The roads constructed under PMGSY cater to all strata of the society including dispersed habitations meaning a cluster of population living in an area, the location of which does not change over time. Nevertheless, Scheduled Tribes areas have got specific focus in the scheme by giving special dispensation.
Under PMGSY Parliamentary Constituency wise data is not maintained. The details of PMGSY achievements in Meghalaya, Maharashtra and districts of Hingoli, Nanded and Yavatmal since inception is at Annexure-I.
Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region  supplements the efforts of the State Government and line Ministries of Central Government to provide connectivity in NER including providing road accessibility to remote areas which helps facilitate the tribal people residing in small and remote villages.
Total length of roads sanctioned under the main Schemes of MDoNER namely – North East Road Sector Development Scheme  and North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme  implemented either directly or through North Eastern Council , during the last 3 years in the State of Meghalaya is 169.51 km.
Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs has also undertaken 992 projects in NER, including Meghalaya, under “Road & Bridges” sector, from 2014-15 onwards.
Annexure-I
Details of habitations connected and road length completed in Meghalaya and Maharashtra as well as in Hingoli, Nanded and Yavatmal districts of Maharashtra since inception till 14.03.2023
|
|
State/District
|
|
Total Habitations to be connected 
|
|
Habitations connected

|
|
Length of road constructed

|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
602
|
|
489
|
|
4,147
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
1,421
|
|
1,414
|
|
27,485
|
|
Maharashtra Districts information
|
|
Hingoli
|
|
28
|
|
28
|
|
520
|
|
Nanded
|
|
14
|
|
14
|
|
721
|
|
Yavatmal
|
|
19
|
|
19
|
|
1,098
This information was given by the Minister of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha, today.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Prasar Bharati’s Accessible & Inclusive Olympics coverage -a hit with Multi-Million Digital Viewership
Indian contingent for Tokyo Olympics 2020 returned triumphant having registered many firsts for India at the Olympics. This unprecedented feat has given new hope to new India. The Public Broadcaster is happy to share that it has played an inclusive role in making this hope reach every citizen through accessible coverage across India.
While our champions blazed a trail at various Olympic events, Prasar Bharati, through its broadcasting and digital platforms, brought the LIVE spectacle of our Olympic victories to everyone’s household through TV, Radio and Smart phones.
That the accessible coverage on DD Sports and All India Radio Sports network was hugely popular among Indians across age-groups, gender, class and regions is evident in the Multi-Million digital viewership clocked together by multiple YouTube channels and NewsOnAir App of Prasar Bharati.
A quick look at the tall figures:
As a responsible public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati ensures that its accessible coverage not only accounts for taking content to those in remotest areas or with limited means but also making it available for our Specially-abled citizens. For Olympic coverage, Prasar Bharati hired 14 sign language artists who presented 240 hours of Olympics live coverage in sign language. For our Radio audience, 16 All India Radio commentators drew a vivid picture of what was unfolding every second at different Olympic events.
Our Digital coverage of Tokyo Olympics 2020 was exhaustive and multi-faceted. Apart from Live Olympic sporting events, our coverage included live broadcast of Opening and Closing ceremonies, exclusive Virtual Conclave with top Indian sports personalities, biographies and success stories of members of Indian Olympic contingent, celebrations of their victories across the country and much more.
Prime Minister's Office
PM extends best wishes to the people of Nagaland on their Statehood Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended best wishes to the people of Nagaland on their Statehood Day.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"Best wishes to the people of Nagaland on their Statehood Day. India takes great pride in the culture of Nagaland, which emphasises on courage, hardwork and living in harmony with nature. I pray for the continuous success of Nagaland in the years to come."
Ministry of Coal
Coal Ministry Approaches Environment Ministry for Inclusion of Five Coal Mine Pit Lakes in Ramsar List
Ministry Seeks World Bank Assistance in Re-purposing Abandoned Coal Mines
India’s coal sector is making sustained efforts to fulfil the fast escalating energy demands by further augmenting coal production. At the same time, the coal sector is also taking various initiatives towards adopting the path of sustainable development with emphasis on care for environment and host of measures to protect forests and biodiversity. As part of various sustainable activities, Coal India Ltd  has under taken– Conservation of coal mine pit lakes, maintenance of ecological character of wet lands and inclusion of such pit lakes in prestigious Ramsar List with the assistance of respective State Governments and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change .
The suitability of coal mine pit lakes for inclusion in Ramsar List was discussed with MoEFCC, the nodal Ministry for identification of wet lands for placing on the Ramsar List. As per the guidance of MoEFCC, CIL has identified five pit lakes in the States of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh for consideration of including in Ramsar list. CIL is in process of preparing Ramsar Information Sheet . These mine pit water bodies are regularly visited by different species of birds and also has avifauna population. The environment around these water bodies has ameliorated due to the efforts of CIL through large scale plantation and other soil moisture conservation activities.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Coal is obtaining support and assistance of World Bank, GIZ and other global institutions for repurposing of abandoned mine sites to make them safe, environmentally stable and suitable for appropriate commercial usage. Reclaimed lands will be repurposed for economic usage such as solar parks, tourism, sports, forestry, agriculture, horticulture, townships etc. Vast experience of these institutions in handling mine closure cases in different countries will be highly beneficial and will facilitate adoption of best global practices in repurposing of Indian coal mine sites.
Ministry of Defence
MoU BETWEEN SUBROTO MUKERJEE SPORTS AND EDUCATION SOCIETY AND ALL INDIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION
TO PROMOTE FOOTBALL AT GRASSROOT LEVEL
For the first time ever, Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society  has collaborated with All India Football Federation  to promote football at grass root level. As part of this MoU, from this edition onwards, a Subroto XI team will be formed in Junior Boys  category. The team will participate in AIFF Youth Competition from the 2023-24 season. Further, clubs from ISL, I-League and IWL will pick up players from Subroto Cup to represent their teams. This will help the players to showcase their talents at National level. AIFF will also promote the Subroto Cup through their annual media plan and calendar. In order to prevent age fraud in the competition, SMSES will conduct age determination tests using experts. To update and educate coaches, an education workshop will be undertaken by AIFF for coaches of final round teams at Delhi and Bengaluru.
The MoU was signed by Air Vice Marshal Alok Sharma, VM VSM, ACAS  as member, SMSES and Dr. Shaji Prabhakaran, Secretary General, AIFF in a formal function held at Air Force Station, New Delhi. Both the dignitaries expressed happiness at the partnership and were confident of rich dividends for national football in the times to come.
Subroto Mukerjee Sports Education Society  conducts the prestigious Subroto Cup International Football Tournament annually since 1960, under the aegis of Air Force Sports Control Board. This is a unique football tournament wherein school teams from all states starting from grass-root level vie for top honours in football in the country in three categories viz, Sub-junior Boys , Junior Boys  and Junior Girls .
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister wishes nation on Herath Mubarak and Maha Shivratri
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi wished the nation on Herath Mubarak and Maha Shivratri. He wished peace and prosperity all over and prayed for everyone's happiness and good health.